Borderlands 4 is finally here, and after spending hours with the latest build, I can tell you this isn’t just another sequel. Gearbox has fundamentally changed how the game feels, plays, and flows in ways that will surprise even longtime fans.
Set on the vibrant planet Kairos, Borderlands 4 delivers the chaotic looter-shooter experience you expect while introducing mechanics that feel genuinely fresh. Here’s what stood out during my hands-on time with the game.
Enhanced Movement Makes Combat Feel Completely Different
The biggest game-changer in Borderlands 4 is the movement system. You can now double jump, air dash, glide, and grapple around combat arenas with surprising fluidity. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade – it fundamentally changes how firefights unfold.
Combat feels faster and more aggressive than previous entries. Enemies hit harder and pursue you relentlessly, which means you can’t just stand behind cover and trade shots anymore. The new traversal mechanics become essential survival tools, letting you pull off trick shots while platforming around the battlefield to avoid getting cornered.
Yes, you can finally swim too. It’s a small addition that makes the world feel more complete.
Weapon System Evolution: Licensed Parts Change Everything
Borderlands 4 takes the franchise’s legendary weapon variety to new heights with its licensed part system. Instead of weapons being tied to a single manufacturer, you’ll now find guns that combine behaviors and abilities from multiple companies.
The five returning manufacturers (Jacobs, Maliwan, Vladof, Torgue, and Tediore) are joined by three newcomers: The Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. This creates opportunities for surprising weapon combinations – imagine picking up an assault rifle that can sprout legs or emulate enemy behaviors.
However, this innovation comes with a trade-off. You can no longer quickly identify whether a weapon fits your playstyle based on manufacturer alone. The increased unpredictability might thrill some players while frustrating others who prefer the clarity of the old system.
Meet Your New Vault Hunters
The new Vault Hunters bring distinct playstyles that complement the enhanced movement system. Vex operates as a summoner with three specialties: creating dog-like Scags, manifesting multiple copies of herself, and forming wings with an orb that fires Eldritch blasts.
Rafa focuses on pure damage output through energy-based abilities. His specialties include summoning energy blades for melee combat, wielding piercing energy lasers, and deploying shoulder cannons that fire bombs, bullets, and homing projectiles.
The improved skill trees appear more expansive and better organized than Borderlands 3, with UI improvements that make character building less convoluted.
Kairos: A World That Feels Alive
While Borderlands 4 maintains the signature cel-shaded art style, Kairos feels more vibrant and detailed than previous locations. The environments are richer, vistas more stunning, and random events pop up naturally as you explore.
Your floating robotic companion guides you to objectives, scans and repairs machinery, revives you when down, and even constructs your hover bike. These quality-of-life improvements streamline the experience without removing the series’ signature chaos.
What Still Needs Work
Despite the improvements, some familiar issues remain. Boss fights still rely heavily on massive health pools rather than skill-based mechanics, though there are glimpses of improvement. One boss encounter featured a second phase requiring players to grapple between descending platforms while avoiding attacks – exactly the kind of movement-focused design the game needs more of.
The addition of traversal puzzles feels less successful. While the movement mechanics excel in combat, they feel awkward when applied to first-person platforming sequences that can become frustrating rather than engaging.
The Verdict: More Borderlands, But Better
Borderlands 4 delivers exactly what fans want: more guns, more chaos, and more loot, but with meaningful improvements that address longstanding issues. The enhanced movement system alone transforms how the game feels, while the weapon evolution system promises endless surprises.
If you loved previous Borderlands games, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here. If the series never clicked for you before, the core experience remains fundamentally unchanged despite the mechanical improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Borderlands 4 release?
Borderlands 4 launches on September 12, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
How many new Vault Hunters are in Borderlands 4?
The game features new Vault Hunters including Vex (summoner) and Rafa (damage dealer), with more expected to be revealed before launch.
Can you swim in Borderlands 4?
Yes, swimming has finally been added to Borderlands 4, allowing full exploration of water environments.
Are all weapon manufacturers returning in Borderlands 4?
Five manufacturers return (Jacobs, Maliwan, Vladof, Torgue, Tediore) while three new ones join: The Order, Ripper, and Daedalus.
How does the new movement system work?
Players can double jump, air dash, glide, and grapple around environments, creating more dynamic and aggressive combat scenarios.
Is Borderlands 4 coming to current-gen consoles?
The game launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with PC and Nintendo Switch 2 versions also confirmed.
Does Borderlands 4 support co-op play?
Yes, the game features an improved co-op experience that builds on the series’ multiplayer foundation.
Conclusion
Borderlands 4 represents the series at its most ambitious. While it doesn’t reinvent the franchise entirely, the movement improvements, weapon system evolution, and enhanced world design create a more dynamic and engaging experience. For Borderlands fans, this looks like the sequel you’ve been waiting for.